Patients with cancer face not only the physical toll of the disease and its treatment but also a range of emotional, psychological, and functional challenges that can significantly affect their daily lives. These challenges may impact their ability to work, socialize, and maintain routine activities. In addition, cancer treatments are often associated with side effects that can range from temporary to long-lasting, potentially disrupting care delivery and quality of life.
Supportive care services, which address the physical, psychological, and social impacts of cancer, are now recognized as an essential part of high-quality cancer care. These services aim to improve patients’ quality of life while also promoting optimal treatment outcomes. Although sometimes used interchangeably with palliative care, supportive care encompasses a broader range of services, from diagnosis through survivorship, that include palliative care among other resources.
